Saturday, April 30, 2016 - Hoofddorp, Nederlands

Today has been a relaxing day. I slept late, for me (7:30 am). I ate breakfast for the first time in a few days as I had not been riding very far and therefore I was gaining weight with three big meals a day.  I completed my shopping and my packing to go home. I did take another stroll around Hoofddorp. My first was on Friday, April 15. Today, I found a few more interesting pictures. I am glad to have taken the stroll. My plane leaves tomorrow at 08:25 and I will have to meet the airport shuttle at 05:40. I am ready to go home and see family and friends. However in spite of the difficulties of rain, low temperatures, and wind this has been a good trip. I have learned a lot about Holland and the people who live here. I have a lot of respect and admiration for the people, their traditions, their history, and their visions of how to live together in this sometimes difficult world.

The ever present canal. They are truly everywhere. A goggle search indicated that Holland was 13% cover by water. I believe it. The fresh water comes primarily comes from the Rhein and Maas rivers. They do a great job of getting it all over the country through the canal system.

I have seen more sheep than any other farm animal. This baby was not bother by my picture taking.

The also ever present tulip. A delight.

I guess this is a founding father of Hoofddorp.

Interesting flower boxes built from palets.

My stroll surprise was a working windmill. The miller was present as he was selling flour by sack. He had many sizes and while I was there a numbers of customers came by. He invited me to tour parts of the mill and take pictures.

This mechanism was in the ceiling.

A view from the outside.

The inside first floor.

I thought this was an interesting apartment building with the apartments starting on the fifth floor and businesses below them.

One last image, the train station at Hoofddorp, from my hotel window. Train travel here as in all of Europe is easy and convenient. It has made my trip much more survivable and enjoyable. When you plan a trip such as this you know you will not take the trip you plan, but you will take the trip that comes your way. This year's trip has been an adventure, I am glad I was along for the adventure. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you.

Tot Ziens.